Foggieraw’s new single “Nefertiti” uses memory-inducing lyrics over a gentle jazz piano to depict 90’s nostalgia and childish love.
The jazzy piano melodies trigger both nostalgia and a sense of timelessness, as Foggieraw begins the song speaking to his “Nefertiti” directly. The premise of the song is a plea to remember the “good ol’ days” and the moments that they shared together, while also acknowledging their faults and insecurities as a couple.
“Nefertiti” is pumped full of references to everything from Betty Boop to Freaky Friday and Spykids. The nostalgia that Foggieraw employs on this track also plays into the immaturity of his love, as he begins to reveal the cracks and instability in his relationship.
He writes about fighting with her cousins, them fighting with each other, and with her friends. It paints a complicated picture of their attachment as even though they have deep love and a prolonged connection, their extended time in each other’s lives has created a muddy and messy situation. Foggieraw ends the song by restating that he does not like her friends, “I don’t like none of your friends, I don’t like Kiana, I don’t like Kiesha and I definitely don’t like Kiki,” which only emphasizes the complex relationship presented in the track.
Foggieraw’s style in “Nefertiti” leans towards conversational, as he uses the softness of the hypnotic backing piano to languidly rap his lyrics to his lover. His lyrics are what really shine as he is able to be honest, nostalgic, and exude confidence all in less than two and a half minutes. Foggieraw encapsulates his struggle in his relationship by saying, “I like you for who you is, you like me for the n**** I could be one day.”
Foggieraw has managed to create a love song that is both romantic and argumentative, which creates a listening experience that is raw, real and nostalgic. “Nefertiti” shows us that relationships are complicated experiences, but that love and romance often keeps us coming back for more.
Kristen Ford has left the breaking point far behind her. On “Wild Heart”, the latest single from Ford’s upcoming album Pinto, the LA based and Nashville grown singer-songwriter goes farther than ever before. Produced by John Driskell Hopkins and Kristen Ford, the track is a proud entry into the canon of defiant, inspirational queer anthems.
The five minute track confronts rising waves of bigotry in the United States with a crisp drumline and catchy chorus. From the start, it’s explosive and irresistible. In the first 20 seconds, Ford can be heard shouting over a rising, whirring sound. All of it is reminiscent of falling into an abyss. The track then shatters its own ceiling with a snappy bassline and punchy guitar riff. “I’ll be the hero,” Ford croons in her distinctive, rasped voice. This opening line sets the scene for the rest of the song.
Lyrically, Ford does not hold back. There’s no mistaking what the song is about. Ford is proud in her delivery of lines that proudly promise she, and her community, will not back down from the fight for LGBT+ rights. For Ford, there’s no mistaking that trans and nonbinary people are integral to this fight. The song’s bridge is an unmistakable description of the transgender pride flag. In other words, Ford wants to make sure there’s no room for confusion.
This clarity is important. Written in response to Tennessee’s anti-drag act, “Wild Heart” is a direct response to hatred that is no longer masked behind fake smiles and laughs. Ford understands that the time for niceties has passed.
The song is aptly named. When Ford sings, “I was born with a wild, wild heart,” you can’t help but feel galvanized. The track is both an exclamation from Ford herself and a battle call to the rest of us. No where is this more evident than when Ford callbacks to the opening chaos of the track, shouting, “Let’s go” over a wild explosion of sound. Her message is clear: we’ve passed the breaking point, now is the time for action.
The music video echoes these sentiments. Against a purple and picnic backgroup, Ford and her band celebrate their queer identity in front of a gathering of agitators. In the face of hatred, Ford and her group dance on. Ultimately, however, Ford preaches hopes. The video ends with this same crowd joining in on the celebration. For Ford, loves will always win. Her optimism is also seen in her belief that now is the perfect time to reclaim the narrative. “The rulebook has been thrown out by the current administration,” she says, “we can turn this disorder back on them and boldly create the world we want.”
This conviction is commendable in an artist like Ford. As a queer, biracial creative, Ford is no stranger to bigotry. Her upcoming album, “Pinto”, confronts the challenges she’s faced in her own time, while reconciling both past and future. Ford’s search for truth serves as the firm foundation for her ultimate message: you, no matter who you are, matter. “Wild Heart” is, in many ways, a culmination of Ford’s beliefs as an artist and human. There’s no room for doubt when she exclaims she was born for this.
Ford’s upcoming album Pinto is out August 22nd, and is available for pre-order now. Catch Ford on tour this summer at the following dates: June 13th – Huntsville, AL @ Lipz Lounge June 14th – Atlanta, GA @ Red Light Cafe June 15th – Nashville, TN @ 5 Spot June 18th – Charleston, SC @ The Purple Buffalo June 21st – Hoboken, NJ @ 503 Social Club June 22nd – Worcester, MA @ Electric Haze June 28 – Sioux Falls, SD @ The Den June 29 – Minneapolis, MN @ Twin Cities Pride July 4 – Madison, WI @ National Women’s Music Festival July 7 – Des Moines, IA @ Lefty’s Live Music July 9 – Columbus, OH @ Natalie’s July 10 – Chicago, IL @ UncommonGround Lakeview July 11 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Unitarian Church July 12 – Binghampton, NY @ Atomic Tom’s July 18 – Cambridge, MA @ The Burren Backroom July 19 – Camden, CT @ Canteen July 26 – Berkeley, CA @ The Starry Plough
BBNO$ is back and he’s not knocking, he’s kicking the door in.Released May 1, “boom” is the latest single from Canadian rapper-slash-Internet-chaos icon BBNO$ (pronounced baby no money), and it’s exactly the kind of high-energy, genre-defying madness we’ve come to expect. Clocking in at just under two minutes, the track explodes with self-aware swagger that somehow feels both effortless and entirely unhinged. Produced by longtime collaborator Y2K alongside BBNO$ himself, the song launches into a minimalist, bass-heavy beat layered with trap snaps, distorted synth stabs, and a forward momentum that makes it feel like you’re being chased through a cartoon car chase.
Lyrically, “boom” doesn’t slow down. The verses hit with rapid-fire confidence, weaving flexes, absurd metaphors, and tongue-in-cheek callbacks into a tightly packed sonic cannonball. As BBNO$ puts it, “On my mama, I ain’t gonna stop until I’m rich” it’s a flex and a punchline rolled into one. The hook? Instantly catchy. The ad-libs? Chaotic in the best way. The vibe? Like someone took a meme, threw it in a blender with a designer tracksuit, and hit go.
If you’re not already familiar with BBNO$, you’ve definitely heard him. With viral hits like “Lalala”, “Edamame”, and his chaotic collabs with Yung Gravy under the duo name Baby Gravy, he’s become something of a digital cult hero. Known for everything from fever dream–style music videos to cosplaying random characters in his social media content, BBNO$ has built a persona that’s part performance art, part pop culture sponge, and 100% entertaining. He doesn’t just make music. He creates moments.
But behind the jokes and flashy outfits is a surprisingly grounded artist. He’s been outspoken about issues like AI’s role in the creative industry, advocating for real human artistry in an increasingly automated world. He’s also spoken out as a proud trans ally, steadily earning a devoted and diverse fanbase that spans from hypebeasts to queer teens to producers who see the method in the mayhem.
“boom” is the first taste of a new album currently in development, and if the rest of the project leans into this same manic energy and finely tuned absurdity, we’re in for one hell of a ride. This track doesn’t just slap. It struts in, steals your drink, and leaves with your friends, all while making you laugh on its way out.
Stream “boom” now on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you soundtrack your most chaotic main character moments.
If Madilyn Mei’s music has always felt like a handwritten diary entry passed across a high school lunch table, her latest single, “What’s Going On?!”, might be the doodle-covered cover. Released May 16, this track finds Mei deepening her indie-folk bedroom pop roots while leaning into more experimental territory, complete with alien metaphors and a healthy dose of existential dread.
Produced and mixed by Scrawny and mastered by Joe Hutchinson, “What’s Going On?!” captures the disorienting experience of trying to “fit in” when you feel like you were dropped onto Earth from another planet. The track opens with an eerie, circus-like intro and transitions into a whimsical, layered soundscape that blends plucky acoustic strings with jittery synth textures. Mei’s voice, delicate yet resolute, delivers lines packed with metaphor, self-deprecating humor, and quietly devastating insight. Lyrically, the track dances on the edge of absurdity and melancholy, a balancing act Mei pulls off with signature flair. It’s the kind of track that makes you laugh, cry, and spiral into a late-night identity crisis, all within three minutes. It’s a story of trying to belong when you feel unrecognizable to yourself and others, a meditation on loneliness that’s somehow comforting in its honesty.
The music video, streaming now on YouTube, takes the song’s surreal undertones to new heights. In it, Mei appears as a claymation alien, amplifying the song’s themes of disconnection with a dose of off-kilter whimsy, with some circus aesthetics lurking not far behind. Her current website and Instagram bio, complete with a circus tent emoji, only add to the intrigue. Could this be the first clue of a larger, thematically cohesive project on the horizon? If so, we’re buckling in.
If you’re new to Madilyn Mei, you might recognize her from viral tracks like “The Milk Carton”, “Partner in Crime”, or “Blue Haired Boy”, all beloved for their vivid storytelling and genre-defying charm. The Arizona-based 22-year-old singer-songwriter has been quietly redefining what bedroom pop can be. Known for her poetic wordplay, genre-blending arrangements, and storytelling flair, Mei has released a debut album, three EPs, and a steady stream of singles, all written and recorded from her bedroom. Her work is intimate yet imaginative, weaving together deeply personal themes with a touch of magic that feels just left of reality.
And now, she’s taking that world on the road. Mei is slated to open for AJR and others on tour this July. It’s a major step forward that speaks to her growing influence and genre-crossing appeal.
TOUR DATES: 7/20 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre 7/22 Salt Lake City, UT Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre 7/24 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre 7/26 St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 7/27 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre 7/29 Clarkston, MI Pine Knob Music Theatre 7/31 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center 8/6 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion 8/8 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach Amphitheatre 8/9 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center 10/4 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
“What’s Going On?!” isn’t just a catchy new track. It’s a question, a cry, and a cosmic shrug all in one. It’s for the alienated and the awkward, the overthinkers and the dreamers, and anyone who’s ever left a party wondering if they said too much or not enough. Stream “What’s Going On?!” now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Pandora, and wherever else you soundtrack your identity crises. If this is just the opening act of her circus-themed era, we’re bracing ourselves for a wild, wondrous ride.
There’s something deeply cathartic about shouting into the void with a guitar, and Boston’s indie rock band Hallelujah The Hills knows exactly how to do it. Their new single, “It’s Undeniable”, out May 23rd, is the equivalent of both a pep talk and an existential crisis at once. And honestly? That balance feels about right.
“It’s Undeniable” is loud in the best way. It’s raw, it’s full of distortion, and it barrels forward like a train that may or may not be on the tracks anymore. Which, to be fair, might be the most accurate depiction of how life feels in 2025. It’s a song for driving too fast or dancing in the living room, blending lo-fi garage fuzz with a driving rhythm and a vocal delivery that teeters between frantic and hopeful. It captures that exhilarating mix of chaos and clarity that makes us feel truly alive.
But the chaos is calculated. This is the latest release from DECK, Hallelujah The Hills’ wildly ambitious 54-song project that spans four albums and reimagines what an “album” can even be. Each record corresponds to a suit in a deck of playing cards, and if that sounds intense, it’s because it is. But it’s also fun. Conceptual. Weird in the best way. “It’s Undeniable” functions as both a punchy standalone and a breadcrumb on a trail that promises to twist, burn, and break expectations before building them back up again.
Frontman and author Ryan H. Walsh leads the band through this musical labyrinth with the confidence of someone who’s read every instruction manual, thrown it away, and decided to build something better anyway. Hallelujah The Hills doesn’t just write songs, they build experiences. And this one? It’s fiery and fast and full of life, even in its most unhinged moments.
If you like Silver Jews, Titus Andronicus, The Wrens, or just songs that make you feel like sprinting down the street yelling your truth at the moon, this one’s for you. “It’s Undeniable” is streaming now on YouTube and SoundCloud. And if this is just one card from the DECK, we absolutely can’t wait to see the full hand they’re about to play.
In what seems to be a continued, conscious effort for all the musician babes to bring ultra-poppy tracks to the masses for a summer of community and fun, Kesha has launched her new single “Boy Crazy” into the universe. Yes, the monotonous drawl of her vocals is very AI, very chic, and very modern. But Kesha’s cute shrieks and the quick pace make it feel like the next natural step in the progression of pop-synth tracks like “I’m A Barbie Girl.” Her vocals are concerted yet delicate, she is on a concerted hunt and we are along for the ride.
Coming off exhilarating and incredible performances at both Coachella and Stagecoach, Kesha is ready for the new trio of tracks to catch fire in direct anticipation of her highly-anticipated upcoming album . (PERIOD). 2024 brought her back into rotation with Kesha’s “Joyride” and on Charli XCX’s “Spring Breakers,” and helped Kesha bring more of her quintessential “I couldn’t care less” attitude back to the forefront of pop culture.
July 4th is about to pop off (for all the right reasons) with the release of . (PERIOD). Get your first listen to “Boy Crazy” below.
KESHA – LIVE 2025 MAY 29 – Glasgow, UK – House of Kesha @ O2 Academy 1 (SOLD OUT) 30 – Manchester, UK – House of Kesha @ Albert Hall (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 1 – London, UK – Mighty Hoopla † † Festival Performance
KESHA & SCISSOR SISTERS: THE TITS OUT TOUR – NORTH AMERICA 2025 JULY 1 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre ^ 3 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre ^ 5 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum ^ 6 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ^ 8 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion * ^ 10 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ^ 12 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre ^ 13 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre ^ 15 – Nashville, TN – Riverfront Park – Ascend Amphitheater ^ 16 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center ^ 18 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center ^ 19 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre # 21 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage # 23 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden * 24 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center # 26 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake # 28 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center # 29 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann # 31 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater #
AUGUST 2 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater # 3 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek # 5 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion # 7 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre # 9 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre # 10 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre #
Jessie J is known for her incredible vocal range and control. Every song she releases is pure magic in some way, a testament to her musicality and the way she emotes in this world. This is no different for her brand new single “Living My Best Life,” which she enthusiastically shouts from the streets in the visual and accompanying teaser.
In the last few years, this woman has realized her lifelong dream of being a mother. She weathered many storms – including career obstacles and a relatively public miscarriage – to be where she is right now, poised for greatness with her second single of 2025. And this single does nothing but breathe life into its listener.
But the best part about it? “Living My Best Life” was written, recorded, and mastered around 5 years ago, and the music video was even shot for it 4 years ago… all before the last few years transpired. Four years ago, she was set to release this gorgeous track and then suffered a larynx injury from a car wreck, rendering her unable to perform the way she wanted to.
Life got complicated. She kept this anthemic masterpiece in her pocket, and now she gets the chance to “dust it off.” “Living My Best Life” gets the celebration it so rightly deserves — and truly sets the tone for a summertime of living it up, going after what you want, and simply letting the sun shine all over your face.
Jessie J shows us what the power of storytelling can do for people. Keep up with the queen here.
If I’m being honest, any female artist wielding a song with the title “Causing Trouble Again” was going to pique my interest. If nothing else, I am an unashamed feminist and broad supporter of women who speak up and speak out. And while her sophomore album Trouble won’t be released until July, the indelible Gina Birch has unleashed a single with just that name — and just that energy.
Post punk is, perhaps, one of my favorite genres. Watching a group of women have so much fun causing mischief and standing in their power is, honestly, the best part and the point for me. But once you know the reasoning behind the visuals themselves – and the metaphorical connections that were discovered as the concept came together – you may find yourself falling in love with Gina.
After hearing Bob Dylan sing about a white ladder all covered with water, I became obsessed with white ladders. I decided to use five white ladders, three with seven rungs…I realized later that this references Jacob’s Ladder and a connection from Earth to heaven, but I think I was thinking of ladders as a symbol of getting on, getting up. I wanted to have a choreographed movement with four of us with these ladders. How do we move with ladders? Do we move together, do we fight, do we dance?
I also wanted to reference the wind scene from the film, The Colour of Pomegranates, and to include as many artist women from the Women in Revolt exhibition as I could. I wanted them to be troublesome, or just to shout ‘Causing trouble!’ I ended up inviting all the artist musician women I knew who could make the shoot, and it was a fantastic meeting of great women, many of whom had never met each other before.
Get your first peek at the video below.
Keep up with Gina Birch here, and catch her on one of her upcoming tour dates.
GINA BIRCH – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2025 (All Dates w/ Miki Berenyi Trio) JULY 16 – London, UK – Rough Trade East In-Store OCTOBER 10 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse 11 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg 12 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair 13 – Montreal, QC – Bar Le Ritz PDB 15 – Toronto, ON – The Great Hall 16 – Ferndale, MI – The Magic Bag 17 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall 18 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club 20 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge 23 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre 24 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre 25 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios 27 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall 28 – West Hollywood, CA – The Roxy Theatre
Bracing for the impact of their sophomore album “Couple(t)s,” independent North Carolina duo Couldn’t Be Happier – expertly comprised of soulmates Jordan Crosby Lee and Jodi Hildebran Lee – share supportive and audibly satisfying single “I Got You.” The lyrics are encouraging, something to send to a friend or family member that may be going through a hard time. Because life is hard enough as it is, and this duo has no problem acknowledging that.
The song itself is truly upbeat, so even lines like “screw your parents, you don’t need them to approve” feel light and supportive. Of the song, the band explains:
Life is hard enough. Let’s not let millionaire podcasters and right wing TV hosts turn us against our neighbors. The song emphasizes that this is not about politics – it’s about humanity. Let’s celebrate our differences and the beautiful, vibrant world we can create if we work together to make it so. Life is too damn short to waste hating people for who they love, where they come from, or how they identify.
We are obsessed with their message, entranced by “I Got You,” and fully excited to hear the rest of this dynamic album.
